S2E06 Pixar’s Inside Out

The Kingsmen and special guest, Danny Fitelson, embark on an inward journey exploring emotions in Disney Pixar’s Inside Out (2015). What is the purpose and effect of emotions and human imagination? How do Joy AND Sadness partner together in the Christian life? Don’t be afraid to let your emotions out on this episode. You might get angry and disgusted with yourself if you miss out. Trust us, you’ll be joyful that you didn’t.
Timestamp of Contents
[00:00:32] Introduction
[00:02:35] What makes Inside Out such a good movie?
[00:06:50] What happens to memories? Are they truly forgotten?
[00:09:38] How does Bing Bong reflect Christ?
[00:11:13] What is imagination, why is it so important for life, and how does it complement with Joy?
[00:19:35] What is the significance of Joy as our first emotion?
[00:23:12] What makes Joy unique in respect to the other emotions?
[00:25:13] Why are the range of emotions equally important?
[00:30:25] What exactly is Joy? In the general sense and specifically in Christian terms?
[00:42:40] Why is it healthy to embrace personal and corporate sadness?
[00:50:00] Are we allowed to feel anger, fear, or sadness?
[00:51:42] Would relying only on emotions lead us astray?
[00:55:58] How might reason and emotions work together in decision-making??
[00:57:18] What is Sadness’s unique contribution that Joy could not provide?
[01:02:00] How can Joy sustain us during the COVID-19 pandemic?
[01:05:28] Do children have disparate feelings?
[01:08:25] How might self-talk be so deceptive?
[01:13:17] What is the value of going through the Pit?
[01:26:50] Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Baby Yoda is the best! The Kingsmen unpack the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian (Season 1). How does the Mandalorian culture and creed sync with Christianity? In what ways do Kuiil the Ugnaught and Baby Yoda reflect the figure of Jesus Christ? How can we revolutionize a world marked by betrayal? Joey and Simon go deep into these subjects. Don’t miss it. We have spoken!
[00:00:21] Introduction
[00:01:08] War of Mandalore and Peace of Christianity
[00:13:50] Kuiil: A Kenotic Christ Figure
[00:17:12] IG-11: Resurrection and Transformation
[00:24:28] Baby Yoda: Another Christ Figure
[00:27:12] Understanding the Mudhorn Pit
[00:33:43] The Powerful God Incarnated in Weak Flesh
[00:41:12] Trust Overcomes Betrayal
[01:03:15] Let Go of Prejudices and Learn to Trust
[01:07:18] The Vacuum of Fallen Empire
[01:13:19] Conclusion

The Kingsmen pay homage to the finale of the 49-year Star Wars saga, with Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. Joey and Simon reflect on how culture re-imagines mythology, how identity is formed, and the way to defeat evil without becoming evil yourself, and how God subtly works throughout the universe to rescue every creature. The Force is strong with this one!
[00:00:00] Intro
[00:00:42] Kylo Ren’s Mask and the Art of Kintsugi
[00:05:05] Re-Telling & Re-Imagining of the Skywalker Myth
[00:07:33] Redeeming Skywalkers
[00:16:28] The Impact of Our Perspective on Others and Ourselves
[00:25:56] Resolving Identity Crisis and Overcoming Loneliness
[00:44:35] Overcoming Cosmic Evil
[00:57:04] The Pit and Coming Out from It
[01:02:37] The False Security of Invulnerability and Power
[01:09:36] Confronting Evil in Trinitarian Partnership
[01:19:02] Acceptance: Freedom from Old and Journey to the New
[01:25:46] The Universal Activity of the Holy Spirit
[01:33:03] Conclusion

Superman has had a prevailing impact on popular culture, sparking the imagination of every new generation. The Kingsmen explore what makes Superman so fascinating and how the hero reflects truths about Jesus Christ.
Timestamp of Contents
[00:00:00] San Diego Comic Con: Affirm or Counter Culture?
[00:04:45] Superman’s Dual Identities as Same and Other
[00:08:55] Superman: Analogy and Inspiration of the Incarnate Jesus
[00:13:38] Jesus and Superman’s Scandalous Compassion
[00:19:50] A Hero’s Gentleness and Self-Control
[00:23:22] Superman’s Value of Free Will
[00:26:37] Lex Luthor: Antithesis of Superman
[00:32:50] Why Does Superman Help Other People?
[00:37:00] What Makes Superman Good?

In the consequential aftermath of Thanos' destructive snap and ultimate defeat, Spiderman: Far From Home grapples with themes like grief, self-worth, following in the footsteps of heroes, the passing of the mantle, and exercising discernment of character. As always, The Kingsmen analyze these themes through a Christian worldview.
Contents
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:00:40 - Iron-Man and Spider-Man's Relationship
00:14:11 - Why is Spider-Man Worthy?
00:35:51 - Mysterio: False Hero, False Prophet
00:55:48 - The Peter Tingle and the Christian’s Spiritual Discernment
01:08:42 - The Heart of the Kingsmen Podcast
01:12:27 - Conclusion

Among all the analogies that Christians use to describe God, none has been more central than the concept of God as Parent. In the second season opener, the Kingsmen reflect on both the paternal and maternal qualities of God. As usual, the Kingsmen suggest several movie references that showcase this concept of God as Parent.
Episode Outline:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:44 God as Father
00:22:38 God as Mother
00:36:29 Knowing God as Parent is a Calling
00:44:42 Knowing God as Parent is a Guide
00:55:53 Conclusion

The Kingsmen conclude their two-part discussion on Avengers: Endgame in their first season finale. Focusing on the meta-theme of Resurrection Simon argues that Ant-Man's return from Thanos’ decimation snap is, in a way, a kind of resurrection. And since the capstone of the Christian faith is the historical moment when Jesus bodily rose from death to life, we explore in what ways Endgame conveys the results of resurrection and its significance.
Timestamps of Contents:
[00:01:30] Introduction
[00:05:04] Antman : Pioneer of Resurrection
[00:07:37] 3 Eyewitness Accounts of Antman’s Resurrection
[00:13:48] The Results When Resurrection ACTUALLY Happens
[00:15:27] Resurrection Results in Having A Different Perspective
[00:21:38] Resurrection Inspires Hope
[00:28:31] Resurrection allows space for forgiveness and redemption
[00:37:58] The Radical Path of Forgiving Our Enemies
[00:41:32] The Impact of Resurrection
[00:41:49] Resurrection Perfects Justice
[00:52:48] Resurrection shows Justice is Also Restorative
[00:56:55] Social Justice In Context of Christ
[01:01:39] Let Your Kingdom Come
[01:04:15] Where the Spirit of the Lord is, There is Freedom to…Let Go
[01:05:53] Freedom From the Fear of Failures
[01:12:10] Resurrection impacts the Individual
[01:16:18] Everyday Heroes Doing Everyday Things
[01:18:52] Conclusion

The Kingsmen assemble! We discuss the cultural phenomenon that is Avengers: Endgame (2019). With talking points that range from Christlike sacrifice to the astronomical significance of just one rat, we reflect on ways that the film illuminates Christian truths. In many ways, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the current culture and society’s mythology. And similar to how Inkling authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien approached mythologies, the Kingsmen approach this the Marvel mythology with the question, “What in this story is true?”
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:03 - Heroes Sacrifice like Christ
00:07:43 - Avengers Themes: “We don’t trade lives” vs. “Whatever it takes”
00:12:22 - Selflessness as Taking Responsibility
00:15:35 - Fat Thor is a Nobler Hero
00:17:41 - Thor Giving up the Messiah Complex
00:20:52 - Avengers Teamwork Reflects God Invitation to Rescue
00:22:01 - Thor Giving Up the Throne
00:24:04 - One-Punch Man and Teamwork
00:26:11 - Every Field of the Battle is Important
00:29:15 - Partnering with God in Creation and Restoration
00:33:07 - Destinations and Trajectories for Iron-Man and Captain America
00:44:57 - Stark as Pre-Resurrection Era and Rogers as Post-Resurrection Era
00:52:29 - Forgiveness as Flexibility to Not Avenge
00:56:07 - Gamora and Nebula’s Sibling Rivalry/Love
01:04:27 - The Call from God for the Participation of Women in His plan
01:06:07 - The Snap Back and Holding onto the Painful Memory
01:15:37 - God Who Expresses Emotions
01:20:04 - The Way Arguments Cloud Judgment (Stark vs Rogers)
01:26:25 - The Depth of the Resurrection Event
01:28:10 - The Prerequisite to Forgiving an Offender
01:32:53 - The Astronomical Coincidence of Perfect Rat-Dancing
01:35:00 - Conclusion

The Kingsmen explore the idea of villains. What makes a bad guy "bad"? By discussing some iconic villains like Darth Vader, the Joker, Thanos and Cersei, we sketch the outlines of what makes a person a villain versus a hero. Like always, we draw parallels between pop culture and the Christian perspective. In this episode, we discuss how villains share some sort of character trait with the Devil/Satan, namely, the elevation of oneself at the cost of others.
Contents
00:00 - 02:52 Introduction
02:52 - 10:50 What is a Villain?
10:51 - 20:02 Case Studies of Villainous Intent
12:20 - 17: 09 Joker Portrayed by the late Heath Ledger
17:10 - 18:37 Darth Vader
18:38 - 19:22 Thanos from Avengers: Infinity War
20:03 - 25:12 How Does A Sovereign and Good God Respond to Pain and Suffering caused by Villainous Intent?
25:13 - 29:55 Inhumane Practices Dehumanizing Humans
29:56 - 39:35 Idolatry as a Source of Villainy
39:36 - 50:29 The Thin Line of Culpability and Breaking the Cycle of Violence
50:30 - 54:16 Naruto and the Christian Virtue of Taking the Penalty for a Criminal
54:17 - 01:12:42 Does Current Society Sympathize with Villains, and Why?
01:12:43 - 01:15:32 The Line Between Hero and Villain
01:15:33 - 01:23:06 The Biblical Narrative's Baddest Villain, Satan
01:23:07 - 01:29:39 Satan’s Flawed Authority vs. God’s True Authority
01:29:40 - 01:42:13 What is the Proper Response to Villains?
01:42:14 - 01:43:58 Conclusion

The Kingsmen return to the DCEU with a discussion on 2018's Aquaman. How might Aquaman illustrate profound Christian concepts like the Incarnation, kingship, and the divine trajectory of peace and unity? How does peace overcome violence and tyranny? And, most importantly what attributes characterize a true hero? Apparently, Aquaman does more than just talking to fish! Find out in the newest episode of the Kingsmen Podcast!

In the sixth episode of the Kingsmen, we invite Dr. Steven Felix-Jager, an expert in Christian/Pentecostal aesthetics, to describe why art is so important to human and Christian life, and what we can do to participate in the transformative power of art. As a case study, we examine how Marvel’s Daredevil, as a work of art, explores questions of justice, sacrifice, forgiveness, and heroism.

In the latest episode on the Kingsmen, Simon delves into the Netflix series "Stranger Things" and attempts to point out similarities that the show has with the concept of Church. How does the experience and relationships of the characters reflect the reality of what the Church should be?

Join the Kingsmen in delving into Marvel's Black Panther (2018), a stellar movie about the harrowing journey of two men who are profoundly shaped by the people who surround them, compelling them to become a hero or villain. In surprising ways, the Christian narrative parallels the story of The Black Panther.
00:00:12 - Welcome
00:01:22 - T'Challa's Experiences (Re)Shape His Values
00:03:18 - Factors that Led to a Change of Heart
00:31:46 - The Best Villains
00:36:24 - Okoye the Priest, Nakia the Prophet, and T'Challa the King
00:55:55 - Active Sins vs Passive Omissions
01:05:15 - Cain & Abel, T'Chaka & N'Jobu, T'Challa & Erik Killmonger
01:20:44 - T'Challa (Jesus), Killmonger (Judas), M'Baku (Peter)
01:22:48 - Universal Human Family
01:25:12 - Inclusion and Exclusion
01:33:56 - The Importance of Fatherhood
01:45:00 - Tell Me a Story
01:46:36 - Wrap Up

In this episode, the Kingsmen explore Pixar's Coco reflecting on the film's parallels to Christian Eschatology. How does Miguel's journey through the land of the dead while solving his family's mystery reflect the purpose for Christ's return?
Episode 004 will analyze Black Panther (2018). Leave a comment, and we'll try to incorporate your questions, insights, and comments into our next episode.